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As the nice weather is upon us, it is time to change from that dark winter bag to a fun bright spring/summer bag. So let’s not carry over all that is in that winter bag, let’s keep it simple and organized and light.

Some helpful hints:

When choosing a bag, try and find one with one outside zipper and at least one compartment inside.

That inside compartment is the perfect storage spot for all your receipts. It’s easy and convenient to put them in it and it doesn’t clutter your wallet.

If you found a new bag that you love and it doesn’t not have compartments. Get a few clear or colour zipper pouches to separate items, to keep your new bag organized.

Do you find all that loose change that you throw in your bag sits at the bottom, making your purse heavy and impossible to find? Then why not make it easy to access by using the outside compartments or zipper part and throw the change in there.

Instead of carrying everything under the sun in your bag, keep a small clear container in your car, to hold items like; Hair ties, Band-Aids, scissors, tape and stain remover. These are not necessarily items you need to carry every-day in your purse. However if you needed them, there right there in your car.

Downsize your purse! This will keep you disciplined not to carry everything under the sun. If you need to carry any products, get the travel sizes. You don’t need to carry 10 pens and 5 different lipsticks. Remember the limit “Take Two”.

Do you have Credit card overload in your wallet? These days it seems we carry too many credit cards, bonus cards and rewards cards. Try narrowing down the number of cards you card. Keep the excess at home in a safe place. For rewards, bonus and gift cards, use the app “keyring” for US and “stocard” for Canada, to store them. It lightens your load 100%. I love this app!

Lastly, work on getting in the habit of cleaning out your bag every two weeks. It will help keep out those items that do not belong in there. We are all so busy, our purses become a catch all at times, so don’t get caught in that trap.

Are you someone who lacks the time or patience to go holiday shopping? This blog post is for you! I thought it might be helpful to compile a list of some free mobile apps for smart phones and Android that will make your holiday shopping easy and stress-free this year. I hope you find these helpful.

1. Retail Me Not – Smart phones & Android

This app offers deals and sale both in-store and on-line shopping from a wide range of retailers. This is a Canadian & USA app only.

2. Wish – Smart phones & Android

This app offers unique and cool items at cheaper prices. You’ll find fashion, accessories and electronics anywhere from 50-70 % cheaper than local malls. This is a worldwide app.

3. Red Laser – Smart phones

This scans barcodes and compares prices in thousands of different stores and displays where you can find the item cheapest. This is a USA app and there is no need to collect coupons.

4. Santa’s Bag – Smart phones & Android

This app manages your Christmas shopping list. You can set-up a holiday gift budget. It allows you to add gift recipients and gift ideas. It’s designed not to forget anyone on your list. This is a global app.

5. One Receipt – Smart phones

This is my favorite app. You scan your receipt and you’ll never have to worry about what you did with the original. This is a great app if you have to return a gift. It also pulls any e-receipts automatically. This is a Canadian & USA app.

6. Clutch – Smart phones & Android

This app stores your coupons as well as loyalty and gift cards. At the check-out you just scan it.
It acts like a mobile wallet. This is a USA app.

7. Favado – Smart phones & Android

Company coming for Christmas dinner? This app provides real time sales data from over 65 thousand stores. It allows you to focus in on your local grocery store and which has the best deals. This is a USA app.

8. Goodzer – Smart phones

Compares prices on products ranging from deodorant to that little black dress. Type in what you are looking for and Goodzer will locate who has it and display the closest location and price.

9. Amazon – Smartphones & Android

If all else fails and you can’t find that special item, Amazon is the place to go. They can usually find it for you. They have great customer service and easy returns. This is a Canadian & USA app.

These are just a few apps that might help make your shopping experience in Canada and the USA more enjoyable. I hope you find this useful. Do you have a favorite app? Please share it with me and my readers.

Enjoy your holiday shopping app experience! As always I welcome your questions and your feedback. You can leave a comment right here on the site, click the contact button at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website or reach me by phone or email. Don’t forget to join in the conversation on Facebook or Twitter too!

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